General
Inspect the drive belt and rear sprocket:
- At the first scheduled service interval.
- At every 8000 km (5000 mile) service interval thereafter.
Note. When a drive belt is replaced for any reason other than stone damage, it is recommended that the transmission and rear sprockets also be replaced to increase the longevity of the new drive belt. In the case of stone damage, inspect sprockets for damage and replace as required.
Cleaning
Keep dirt, grease, oil, and debris off the belt and sprockets.
Clean the belt with a rag which is slightly damp with a light cleaning agent.
Inspection
Sprockets
Note. If chrome chips or gouges to rear sprocket are large enough to be harmful, they will leave a pattern on the belt face.
1. See Figure 1-39. Inspect each tooth (1) of rear sprocket for:
- a. Major tooth damage.
- b. Large chrome chips with sharp edges.
- c. Gouges caused by hard objects.
- d. Excessive loss of chrome plating (see step 2).
![](https://motoinstruction.ru/img/harley/2/110847.jpg)
Figure 1-39. Rear sprocket
2. To check if chrome plating has worn off, drag a scribe or sharp knife point across the bottom of a groove (2) (between two teeth) with medium pressure.
- a. If scribe or knife point slides across groove without digging in or leaving a visible mark, chrome plating is still good.
- b. If scribe or knife points digs in and leaves a visible mark, it is cutting the bare aluminum. A knife point will not penetrate the chrome plating.
3. Replace rear sprocket if major tooth damage or loss of chrome exists.
Rear belt
See Figure 1-40. Inspect drive belt for:
- Cuts or unusual wear patterns.
- Outside edge bevelling (8). Some bevelling is common, but it indicates that sprockets are misaligned.
- Outside ribbed surface for signs of stone puncture (7). If cracks/damage exists near edge of belt, replace belt immediately. Damage to center of belt will require belt replacement eventually, but when cracks extend to edge of belt, belt failure is imminent.
- Inside (toothed portion) of belt for exposed tensile cords (normally covered by nylon layer and polyethylene layer). This condition will result in belt failure and indicates worn transmission sprocket teeth. Replace belt and transmission sprocket.
- Signs of puncture or cracking at the base of the belt teeth. Replace belt if either condition exists.
- Replace belt if conditions 2, 3, 6 or 7 (on edge of belt) exist.
![](https://motoinstruction.ru/img/harley/2/110848.jpg)
Figure 1-40. Drive belt wear patterns
Note. Condition 1 may develop into 2 or 3 over time. Condition 1 is not grounds for replacing the belt, but it should be watched closely before condition 2 develops which will required belt replacement.
Table 1-4. Drive belt wear analysis
PATTERN | CONDITION | REQUIRED ACTION |
1 | Internal tooth cracks (hairline) | OK to run, but monitor condition |
2 | External tooth cracks | Replace belt |
3 | Missing teeth | Replace belt |
4 | Chipping (not serious) | OK to run, but monitor condition |
5 | Fuzzy edge cord | OK to run, but monitor condition |
6 | Hook wear | Replace belt |
7 | Stone damage | Replace belt if damage is on the edge |
8 | Bevel wear (outboard edge only) | OK to run, but monitor condition |